AAA Chicago: March Continues Trend of High Gas Prices

AURORA, Ill., March. 4, 2013 -- Gas price averages for Illinois and Indiana are continuing on a high streak with the highest prices ever for a March start. Illinois and Indiana drivers are currently paying on average, $3.92 and 3.81 respectively for a gallon of regular unleaded. The average price of gasoline has increased 59 cents per gallon in Illinois and 54 cents in Indiana since the beginning of the year, which is the highest price increase through the end of February on record. �AAA Chicago's most recent Fuel Gauge Report shows that in Illinois, the average regular unleaded gasoline price increased �$.45 from January 2012, with an average cost of $3.81 for February. This price is $.25 higher than last year.

In northern Indiana, gas prices averaged $3.77 in February, which is up $.49 from January 2012 and up $.29 from February 2012.

"Gas prices increased dramatically in February and consequently, motorists are paying more than ever for gasoline for this time of year," said Beth Mosher, AAA Chicago spokesperson. "This is primarily due to a decline in refinery production and as there is still maintenance to be done before the Midwest shifts to a summer blend of gasoline, motorists are likely to face continued high prices."

Other February monthly averages across the region:

In Cook County , Ill. , self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $4.01, which is up $.49 from last month and $.31 higher than last year's price-per-gallon.
In DuPage County , Ill. , self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.87 per gallon, which is a $.48 increase from January and up $.30 from last year.
In Kane County , Ill. , self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.85 per gallon, which is $.49 higher compared to last month and $.31 higher than February 2012's price.
In Lake County , Ill. , self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.84 per gallon, which is $.48 higher than last month and up by $.32 compared to this time last year.
In McHenry County , Ill. , self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.83 per gallon, which is $.48 higher than last month's average and $.33 higher than February 2012's price.
In Will County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.85 per gallon, which is $.49 higher compared to last month and $.32 higher compared to last year.
In Champaign County , Ill. , self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.72 per gallon, an increase of $.49 from January and an increase of $.28 from last year.
In McLean County , Ill. , self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.65 per gallon, which is $.44 higher from last month and $.19 higher than last year.
In Peoria County , Ill. , self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.69 per gallon, which is up $.43 compared to last month and up $.21 from February 2012.
In Sangamon County , Ill. , self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.70 per gallon, which is $.47 higher than last month and $.25 higher than last year.
In Winnebago County , Ill. , self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.76 per gallon, an increase of $.46 from January and $.23 higher than February 2012.
In Allen County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.74 per gallon, which is $.44 higher from last month and $.28 higher than February 2012's price.
In Lake County , Ind. , self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.77 per gallon, a $.49 increase from January's average and a $.29 increase from a year ago.
In Porter County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.77 per gallon, which is $.50 higher than last month and $.30 higher than last year.
In St. Joseph County , Ind. , self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.76 per gallon, which is $.45 higher compared to last month and $.30 higher compared to last year.

Learn how to save money on gas with a few simple tips from AAA .

Fuel prices are posted on-line at www.fuelgaugereport.com, which updates prices daily for unleaded, diesel and E85 blends of fuel.

SOURCE AAA Chicago